There have been inquires recently regarding the need to put up ropes for approximately 2 weeks after the course opens. While this practice has been in place for several years with positive results, we felt it appropriate to review the agronomic rationale for this program.

Our primary goal is to deliver and maintain a high quality golf course product and the initial roping of the course is critical to this objective. The distinct reason for roping is to allow newly planted seed to grow and mature as well as prepare the grass for the challenging December and January time frame. Once the days are short and the nights are cold, minimal growth occurs. Repeated foot traffic and cart traffic areas (wear patterns)become visible owing to the inability for the grass growth to cover them. No matter how much fertilizer or supplements you apply, the plant will not uptake the nutrients unless it is actively growing, In other words, if you’re turf is not properly established before the cold weather hits, you’re in trouble. This weather condition also takes the Bermuda grass into dormancy, turning tan, and lightening up the overall color of the grass. This condition occurs at most valley courses, in particular courses with a good level of play.
As an aside, with the relatively new PM-10 regulations (particulate matter dust control) in place and the increased year round member play, the demand for better summer playing conditions has reduced the renovation of the summer Bermuda for over-seeding. When you renovate less, you leave more Bermuda grass in place. This will restrict a certain percentage of the new seed from initially making contact with the soil. This seed will still germinate and be fine, yet it will take additional time for the new root to contact and establish a solid hold and become strong enough to handle cart traffic. By roping the fairways we are letting the new turf have sufficient time to become established yet still allowing our members to play golf.

The question has been raised why some properties open without ropes. A great example is our next door neighbor, Desert Willow. Well, there are several reasons. Their Mountain View course had been closed for a 5 month renovation and opened without ropes. The Fire Cliff course is currently closed for 8 weeks, which will allow them to open without ropes. Some private courses renovate more aggressively owing to fewer year – round members and summer playing condition are less important. Some courses don’t have ’wall to wall’ cart paths. As you can see, the variables are many and unique to each course.

The discussion around roping the course has always been very lively and the goal of this note is to bring to light the straightforward and sound rationale to the process. We encourage the dialogue and will continue to provide information critical to your understanding.

And… the good news, the ropes are down and the gates are in place. Finally, we appreciate each member’s efforts in assisting with our goal of a superbly maintained course.

Good golfing